What should you pay attention to when choosing a diamond?
The factors that determine the price of diamonds are: cutter, color, clarity, weight, and crystal quality of the original stone. Our professional jewelry consultants will make recommendations based on your preferences and budget.
What is 4C？
Before the mid-20th century, there was still no common global diamond quality grading standard. The GIA American Gemological Institute pioneered the diamond grading system, called the 4C standard, which has become the recognized identification standard in the industry today.
The 4C standards established by GIA include: Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat weight. Today, 4C standards are widely used in diamond quality certification processes around the world.
How is diamond color graded?
GIA created the D-Z color grading system to identify the colorlessness of diamonds by comparing them with "master stones" of different colors under precisely controlled lighting and observation conditions.
GIA's D-Z color grading system is the industry-recognized grading standard. D grade is the highest color grade for diamonds, meaning it is completely colorless. From D to Z, as the color increases, the diamond grade gradually decreases.
Why does GIA’s quality rating system start with D?
Before GIA established the color grading system from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or light brown), there were various grading systems on the market, such as A, B, C (not clearly defined when used), Arabic numerals ( 0, 1, 2, 3) and Roman letters (I, II, III). In addition, the description terms are not uniform, such as "sapphire blue" or "blue-white". The standards are different, which makes consumers confused about gem grading. clear. Based on this situation, GIA experts decided to create a new quality rating system and decided to start grading color from the letter D. Because GIA's rating system is clear and clear, it was quickly accepted by the public, while other rating systems were gradually abandoned.
How to grade diamond clarity？
Diamond clarity refers to the degree to which it is free of inclusions and surface features. Natural diamonds are formed by testing carbon elements under high temperature and high pressure. This process also causes each diamond to have internal features, which we call "inclusions", and those on the surface are called "surface features".
The criteria for evaluating diamond clarity include the quantity, size, conspicuity, nature, location of the above characteristics and their impact on the overall appearance of the diamond. Although there is no absolutely flawless natural diamond in the world, generally speaking, the higher the clarity, the higher the value.
In order to regulate the market, GIA created a clear and unified clarity rating system, which is widely used around the world and is very conducive to jewelry transactions. Whether a jeweler speaks Japanese or French, you will hear standardized professional terms like VVS1 or SI2.
During the formation of diamonds, tiny crystals may become encased in them. In some cases, tiny crystals may develop into irregular shapes based on their atomic structure, forming diamond inclusions.
GIA diamond clarity standards are divided into 6 types and 11 grades.
Flaw (FL):
When viewed under a 10x magnifying glass, the diamond does not have any inclusions or surface features.
Internally Flawless (IF):
Observed under a 10x magnifying glass, there are no inclusions inside the diamond.
Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2):
Observed under a 10x magnifying glass, there are very small inclusions inside the diamond, which are difficult for even a professional appraiser to see.
Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2):
Observed under a 10x magnifying glass, the inclusions in the diamond are clearly visible, but they are very small.
Slightly included grades (SI1 and SI2):
When viewed under a 10x magnifying glass, the diamond has visible inclusions.
Inclusive grades (I1, I2 and I3):
The inclusions in a diamond are very obvious under 10x magnification and affect the transparency and brightness of the diamond.
How is diamond cut graded?
The high refractive index creates the dazzling light that makes diamonds famous around the world. Many people equate a diamond cut with its shape (round, emerald-square, pear). In fact, determining the grade of a diamond’s cut depends on how its facets interact with light.
From rough stones to finished diamonds, complex procedures and exquisite cutting skills are required. Only carefully planned cutting proportions, symmetry and polishing can bring out the unique dazzling brilliance of diamonds.
Cut is crucial to the appearance and value of a diamond, and is the most complex and technically demanding identification standard among the 4C standards.
GIA's cut rating includes 5 levels: Excellent, Very good, Good , Fair, Poor.
How to measure diamond weight?
Carat weight is the measure of diamond weight. 1 carat equals 200 milligrams.
For the weight of a diamond, 1 carat is equal to 100 "parts," making the carat weight accurate to two decimal places. Jewelers can simply use the word "part" to describe a diamond weighing less than 1 carat. For example, a 0.25 carat diamond is also called "twenty-five parts". Diamonds above 1 carat will be described by "carats" accurate to the nearest hundredth. For example, a diamond weighing 1.08 carats would be described as "one point and eight carats."
As we all know, the bigger the diamond, the rarer it is. Therefore, the price of a diamond increases as its carat weight increases. Yet even if two diamonds weigh the same, their value (and price) can be very different. Because the value of a diamond also depends on three other criteria in the 4C standards: clarity, color and cut.
Please remember that the value of a diamond depends not only on its carat weight, but also on the other 4Cs, all of which are indispensable.
Some carat weights are called "key weights", such as half a carat, three-quarters of a carat, and one carat. Visually, there is only a slight difference between a 0.99 carat diamond and a diamond weighing a full carat, but there is a significant difference in price.
About international certificates
Do diamonds have GIA international certificates?
GIA's full name is the Gemological Institute of America, which means Gemological Institute of America in Chinese. It was founded in 1931. It is a non-profit educational unit in gems and jewelry. It is empowered to help the industry and consumers understand gems through their vast knowledge. An educational network and service that serves consumers by providing jewelry experts with effective tools and techniques; GIA strives to enhance the ethics of the industry and protect the public's right to know.
In 1950, GIA developed the first diamond identification system, which was accepted internationally. This system provides an unbiased view of cut loose diamonds. GIA also developed the first diamond ten-grade table and established diamond quality standards, which are now widely recognized around the world. In order to maintain fair and objective standards, GIA refuses any sale and appraisal of jewelry and loose stones when it comes to diamond and gem identification. For 67 years, GIA has maintained a strict ethical policy and maintained a good reputation. It is currently the most respected diamond identification center in the world.
Are GIA international certificates different from other certificates?
Currently, many domestic diamond merchants confuse diamonds with international certificates such as GIA, HRD, and IGI. In fact, the quality, standards, and prices of different certificates vary greatly. Both are international certificates, such as the GIA certificate from the Gemological Institute of America and the IGI certificate from the International Gemological Institute, but there is a big price difference.
Why insist on asking for a diamond grading report?
Differences in diamond quality are so subtle that even trained jewelers cannot identify them without the help of laboratory testing. When buying a diamond, remember to ask for a certificate of undisputed quality testing by an impartial body.
How to determine the authenticity of a GIA identification report?
To prevent loss or forgery, all GIA certificates include security features such as holograms, security interfaces and microphotographs. In addition, the GIA Certificate Verification Service can verify that the information in the certificate matches the information in the GIA database.
common problem
Where and how are your jewelry made?
Every product we offer is handcrafted in Singapore by experienced top craftsmen to provide our customers with the highest quality and excellence.
Which finger should I wear the wedding ring on?
Because if you are right-handed, your right hand is more likely to collide when doing things, so it is generally recommended to wear it on the ring finger of your left hand.
What is the difference between K gold and platinum?
K gold and platinum are both precious metals used in high-end jewelry. They are very stable and will not cause allergies when worn. There is no difference in the appearance of the base.
"K gold"The ring contains gold. Because everyone's body constitution and wearing habits are different, after wearing the diamond ring for a long time and rubbing it, the bottom of the ring will turn slightly yellow. This is normal. The phenomenon can be restored by just re-plating treatment.
"Platinum"The original color is white and will not change color after being worn for a long time. However, depending on everyone's different wearing habits, the surface of the watch may be scratched and look foggy. Just Polishing or electroplating can restore it to 7 to new.
Jewelry and diamond ornaments can be made of K gold and platinum. However, due to the high density of platinum and the difficulty of craftsmanship, the price is higher than that of K gold. Whether it is inlaid with K gold or platinum jewelry, the effect will be very beautiful!
How to care for jewelry?
After each wear, you can use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe away sweat and stains from your jewelry. In addition, it is recommended to remove jewelry before applying makeup, cooking, cleansing or bathing.
About pearls
How many types of pearls are there?
Based on the type of cultured mother-of-pearl, pearls can be divided into: Japanese pearls, white South Sea pearls, black South Sea pearls, conch pearls, etc. These pearls are nurtured over many years in the ocean or lake, and each one contains unpredictable beauty.
What factors determine the quality of pearls?
The crystal clear and soft luster of pearls is one of the important factors that determine the quality of pearls. The smoothness of the surface, the uniformity of the nacre, and the number of flaws it contains all determine the quality. Generally, the thicker the nacre, the better the quality. It is generally believed that the closer to a circle, the better the quality.
But slightly oval or irregularly shaped pearls also have their own unique charm. When made into jewelry, it will exude a different kind of charm.
How many types of pearls are there?
Based on the type of cultured mother-of-pearl, pearls can be divided into: Japanese pearls, white South Sea pearls, black South Sea pearls, conch pearls, etc. These pearls are nurtured over many years in the ocean or lake, and each one contains unpredictable beauty.
About gems
How to choose rubies?
Top-grade rubies are of great collection value for jewelry enthusiasts due to their rare origin. The rubies produced in Myanmar are the best in the traditional sense.
The price will be relatively higher. In addition, rubies from Mozambique are comparable to Myanmar in terms of color and clarity, and the price will be relatively lower.
There are many colors of rubies. The best is a deeper pure red, followed by a slightly purplish red, and then deeper pink, purple, slightly brown red, and others such as brown-red. ,
Dark red and very light pink are poor rubies.
In addition, when observing the ruby from the table, it is best to see only one color when rotating. If other colors can be seen, it means that the orientation of the ruby during processing is incorrect.
Ruby that has not been heat treated has a higher value.
How to choose sapphire?
Sapphires are the same as diamonds. The larger they are, the higher their value. The current mainstream sapphires in the market are sapphires produced in Sri Lanka. When purchasing sapphire, please pay special attention to whether it has been "heat treated".
Its price is far different from natural sapphire. The price of "heat-treated" sapphire should be lower than that of natural sapphire due to special treatment. On the other hand, sapphires with very few internal flaws or cracks are quite rare and command high prices.
How to choose emerald?
Compared with diamonds, inclusions and flaws in emeralds are easier to identify with the eyes alone, so identification experts do not need to use a magnifying glass to determine the clarity of emeralds. If no inclusions are seen under normal vision, then this is a perfect emerald. The main producing areas are: Colombia, Russia, Brazil, South Africa, Zimbabwe, etc. The most emeralds currently seen on the international market come from three origins: Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia.
What are the pitfalls of buying gemstones?
If you don’t want to spend too much money and want to buy a large carat gemstone, let me tell you frankly that the chance of being cheated is 100%. Nowadays, there are so many fakes, there are not so many pick-ups.
Gemstones of large carats are extremely rare, and if they are hard to come by, the possibility of selling them at a loss is zero. Some people say they will sell it to you at a loss, so don’t think you are picking up something wrong. Instead, be careful and buy a second-rate (heat-treated) or fake gemstone.
About Jade
How to choose green jadeite?
Jade is "a kind of two-color and three-craft, the bracelet depends on the species, and the pendant depends on the color." It can be seen that species, color, and craftsmanship are the three most basic factors for choosing jade, followed by size, weight, uniformity, clarity, and willow. cracks and aesthetics.
What is the species of jade?
Looking at the image of planting water, "a good planting covers three ugly things" illustrates the importance of jadeite planting. Water head, or transparency, refers to the ability of jadeite to transmit visible light. The species levels from high to low are: Laokeng glass species, water species, ice species, ice waxy species, waxy species, etc.
How to choose the color of jade?
There are many colors of jadeite, but the best jadeites are generally sunny green. However, green has very different meanings for women of different ages, shapes, and temperaments. When purchasing, you should choose according to your own preferences. It is best for young women to choose bracelets with brighter colors and good moisture to make them appear youthful and energetic; mature women should choose bracelets with darker colors to appear noble, solemn and steady.
How to view the craftsmanship of jade?
Look at the craftsmanship: There is a saying that "50% material and 50% workmanship", which means that for a good work, the value of materials and workmanship are each half; the quality of the craftsmanship and the symbolic meaning both have an impact on the price. The processing of finished jadeite products is divided into two categories: bare finished products and carved finished products. Bare-body products have higher requirements on raw materials and cannot have cracks, because cracks are easy to see. Jadeite with cracks is mostly used to make flower pieces, and the cracks can be covered up through carving techniques.
How to define the luster of jade?
Jadeite has a glassy luster, translucent or transparent. Jadeite appears in various colors because it contains different dye ions: usually white, red, green, and purple. Yellow, pink, etc.
Pure and free of impurities are white. If it contains chromium, it will appear soft and gorgeous light green or dark green, which is called emerald. This variety is the most valuable and highly valued by people.
If it contains manganese, it will appear lavender or dark purple, often called spring land or lotus root powder land. Containing iron elements, they appear dark red, brown red, and ocher red, and are called jade.
Containing chromium and copper elements, it appears light blue or light cyan, known as olive water. In addition to the good color of high-grade jade, the texture is also extremely important. Generally, the ones with fresh and beautiful colors, transparent texture and strong glass luster are the top grade. On the contrary, the texture is dry, followed by varieties with poor transparency.